An Albuquerque hot air balloon ride starts before you are fully awake: a van to the launch field, the crew laying out the envelope, and the chance to help inflate it. Then you rise over the city, perhaps dropping low over the Rio Grande as the sun comes up behind the Sandia Mountains, with the cottonwoods of the Rio Grande Bosque below and, far off, Petroglyph National Monument.
None of that is a fixed route. The pilot flies where the wind goes, so the Albuquerque hub promises the time in the air, not the landmarks. You get 45 to 60 minutes up in a shared basket of about 10 to 16 passengers.
Sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride in Albuquerque
- Albuquerque Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride, from US$189 per person. The entry price, and the one that runs year-round, except during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in early October. Meeting is around 5:30–6:30 am depending on the month. After landing there is a champagne toast, light snacks and a flight certificate. About 3 to 4 hours in total.
- Albuquerque Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride, from US$225 per person. Runs November to January only, meeting in the early afternoon. The listing names the Sandia Mountains, the Rio Grande and local wildlife. The balloon lands before official sunset, followed by a toast with light refreshments. About 3 to 3.5 hours in total.
If you are visiting outside November to January, sunrise is your only option. In winter, the sunset ride saves you the early alarm for US$36 more.
Before you go
- Where: the check-in office at 5601 Eagle Rock Ave NE in northeast Albuquerque, just off I-25. There is no hotel pickup. A van takes you to that day’s launch site and back. Exact meeting times are confirmed after booking.
- Group size: shared basket, about 10 to 16 passengers; up to 6 guests per booking.
- Who can fly: minimum age 5, and an adult must make the booking; children 5 to 12 pay a child price. Pregnant passengers cannot fly, and the ride is not recommended with spinal injuries, knee problems or poor cardiovascular health.
- Weight: no fixed limit is stated, but passengers of 300 lb (136 kg) or more must buy an additional space.
- Costs: gratuities are not included.
- Cancellation: a full refund up to 24 hours before, none after. Flights need safe winds, clear skies and no rain; if the weather is unsuitable, you fly another date or get a full refund.
Not sure which ride suits your trip? Email us at hello@flyovertheworld.com and we’ll help you choose.